"The report continued: James' essay in the newspaper, known for signalling Beijing's views on a variety of issues, follows his visits to Chinese megacities Shanghai and Chengdu as part of the Forever King Tour, marking the 20th anniversary of his first Nike tour of Asia. The enthusiasm and kindness of Chinese friends deeply touch me, and all I can do is give my all in every game to express my gratitude, wrote James, who has visited China 15 times and is about to start a record-breaking 23rd season in the NBA. I hope I can contribute to the development of Chinese basketball."
"China's relationship with the NBA deteriorated in 2019. At the time, there were widespread protests in Hong Kong. Then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted a message of support for the people of Hong Kong, leading to China canceling a number of scheduled exhibition games. James was especially critical of Morey's comments, insisting the GM wasn't educated on the subject. James came under fire for his response to Morey; and some of his most vocal critics including former player Enes Freedom continually bring up his supposed fealty to America's adversary."
LeBron James wrote a letter published in the state-run People's Daily and toured Shanghai and Chengdu as part of the Forever King Tour marking 20 years since his first Nike Asia tour. The letter expressed gratitude toward Chinese fans, noted 15 prior visits, and said he hopes to contribute to the development of Chinese basketball ahead of a record 23rd NBA season. China's ties with the NBA soured in 2019 after Daryl Morey's tweet supporting Hong Kong protesters prompted Beijing to cancel exhibition games. James criticized Morey then and later faced criticism for his response.
Read at www.mediaite.com
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